With South Africa commemorating World Plumbing Day on March 11, local water heater manufacturer Kwikot emphasises the significant skills shortage in the country’s plumping sector amid rapid urban expansion, infrastructure development and the rising need for energy-efficient water-heating solutions.

These professionals ensure access to clean water, efficient sanitation and reliable heating systems – services that are fundamental to public health, economic growth and sustainable development.

Started as a small plumbing business, founded by Sydney James Godfrey in 1903, Kwikot quickly expanded its product offering and operations in response to the inferior-quality water heating solutions on the market at the time.

Today, the Gauteng company supplies households all over Africa with water-heating and storage solutions that it says have proven to be reliable for more than 120 years.

Its ISO 9001-acreddited manufacturing facility in Benoni produces 18 products for domestic use, from 10 ℓ to 450 ℓ electric water heaters to direct and indirect solar geysers up to 300 ℓ, and variable sizes from 500 ℓ to 30 000 ℓ for industrial purposes. The factory has the capacity to scale up production to meet variable sales volumes.

Kwikot is the first South African company to manufacture electric water heaters in accordance with National Standards specification SANS 151. The company has complied with South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) requirements for more than 60 years and was also the first company to obtain the SABS 600 kPa mark of approval.

By equipping plumbers with high-performance water heating solutions, Kwikot enables them to provide efficient, sustainable services to homes and businesses across the country.

“Plumbers are the backbone of modern infrastructure, ensuring communities have reliable access to water and heating. At Kwikot, we are proud to partner with plumbing professionals by providing high-quality solutions that help them to meet the evolving demands of the industry,” says Kwikot MD Murray Crow.

Not only should the invaluable contributions of plumbers be acknowledged on World Plumbing Day but there should also be commitment to supporting their growth and development, he adds.

“As the country continues to face infrastructure challenges and an ever-increasing demand for sustainable solutions, the role of skilled plumbers has never been more critical. By recognising their expertise, addressing the skills gap and investing in their future, we can ensure that this essential profession thrives, driving progress and enhancing the quality of life for all South Africans.”

Crow urges industry leaders, policymakers and educators to collaborate in creating pathways for the next generation of skilled plumbers to ensure their success for years to come.